Feline and human type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) share many commonalities, including clinical presentation, pancreatic pathology and response to treatment. Recent work at the RVC for the first time ever also documented shared genetic factors. A polymorphism in the melanocortin-4-receptor gene was associated with a higher risk of T2DM in overweight domestic short hair cats. Subsequently, a world-first cat Genome Wide Association Study of feline T2D was performed by the applicants using DNA of 900 cats identifying a number of significant SNPs associated with feline T2DM. Several of these SNPs have previously been associated with human T2DM, though others have not. Those latter SNPs are especially interesting, providing possible novel information on the pathophysiology of the disease in both species, hence also hinting towards possible novel therapeutic targets.

The aim of this project will be to teach a PhD-student in all aspects of molecular biology by researching the genetic background of feline and human T2DM.

Specific objectives will include:

Evaluation of the most promising SNPs identified during the feline GWAS, which have previously been associated with human T2DM, to then - Perform feline candidate gene approach studies to confirm/deny their relevance; - Perform functional studies using feline and human cell culture (predominantly beta-cells, striated muscle and liver) through transfection with and without SNP affected vectors. Evaluation of the most promising SNPs identified during the feline GWAS, which have NOT previously been associated with human T2DM, to then: - Perform feline and human candidate gene approach studies to confirm/deny their relevance; - Perform functional studies using feline and human cell culture (as above) through transfection with and without SNP affected vectors The studentship will commence in October 2016.

Interviews for studentships - will be held on 16th March or in the w/c 21st March 2016 at the RVC’s Camden or Hawkshead Campuses http://www.rvc.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/phd

Funding Notes

This is a three year fully funded studentship, supported by Boehringer Ingelheim. It is open to Home/EU applicants only. International students are welcome to apply but must be able to pay the difference between UK/EU and international tuition fees.